The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is only sold in North America for U.S. and Canadian customers. But Canada gets a key feature that you won’t see on U.S. models.
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The all-new rugged 2022 Outback Wilderness trim is built in Lafayette, Indiana, for North American customers. Subaru of America announced its new outdoor model, and Subaru Canada gave the specifications on its Outback Wilderness with one extra feature not found on U.S. models.
The two rugged models are identical, except for the Canadian Outback Wilderness comes standard with a heated steering wheel. The 2022 Outback Wilderness sold in the U.S. comes with only one option package that offers a power moonroof, Starlink 11.6-inch multimedia with navigation, and reverse automatic braking for $1,845. A heated steering wheel is not an option.
We know it gets cold in Canada, and customers up north will appreciate the added warmth of having the heat on their hands. Customers in the U.S. will have to wear gloves when the temperature drops below freezing in the Northeast, Rocky Mountains, and the Northwest.
Subaru pulled a similar stunt when they launched the refreshed 2021 Crosstrek Sport and Limited with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine. The two Canadian Crosstrek models come standard with a heated steering wheel, and U.S. customers were left out.
The Outback Wilderness was inspired by customers who are already modifying their vehicles. But customers who want a heated wheel will have to modify their new outdoor model if they live in the U.S. market.
We are surprised that U.S. customers get left out again. Subaru of America sells around ten times more vehicles than Subaru Canada, and Subaru Corporation priorities its U.S. customers. Yasushi Enami, chairman, president, and CEO of Subaru Canada, must have extra influence in Japan to get the additional feature on his Outback Wilderness models.
What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The U.S. Outback Wilderness is priced at $38,120 including destination and delivery fees. Subaru of Indiana Automotive builds the new 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness for North America but has to keep the U.S. and Canadian models separate on the assembly line.
We wonder if a few models will slip by the assembly workers and the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness with a heated steering wheel and find their way to U.S. retailers?
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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The Canadian models miss out
The Canadian models miss out alot of things only American models get, ie: tire pressure sensors. Doesn't make sense that a safety feature doesn't come standard or at all. It's definitely true Americans get preference.
Except Canadian models come
Except Canadian models come standard with Heated Steering Wheels. Also, Hyundai Palisades and Genesis GV80 come standard with 2 more driving modes in Canada that we don't get in the states.
Think there's a typo where
Think there's a typo where you say "priorities" instead of prioritize.
Ya, but the Canadian models
Ya, but the Canadian models aren't powered by 100% freedom. So I think our American neighbour's will be alright.
This is actually silly to
This is actually silly to exclude the American market of this. I live in a state that has six months of winter and would appreciate a heated steering wheel.
I'm just gonna keep buying as
I'm just gonna keep buying as many of them as I can until I get a factory mixup with the heated steering wheel
I'm just gonna keep buying as
I'm just gonna keep buying as many of them as I can until I get a factory mixup with the heated steering wheel
Another reason for not buy
Another reason for not buy subaru , apart of the horrible slow and laggy new infotainment
Why is the heated driving
Why is the heated driving wheel not offered in the US? It seems like Subaru is losing out as well as the US.
The heated steering wheel has
The heated steering wheel has been exclusively on Touring models of Forester and Outback since it was first offered in the US. I know because I have upgraded multiple times to get them on both my cars. It really pissed me off that I had to get an Outback Touring to get it because I didn’t want the smooth roofline, which I think detracts from the Outback’s character. Of course, now that I have it, I certainly like it more than I thought I would.
Subaru always leaves out costly options from new “special editions”. I was going to get a Crosstrek Sport for one of my kids, until I saw it didn’t even come with LED headlights or the full compliment of interior technology, like all the other models (except base).
Ever since I bought a legacy
Ever since I bought a legacy a few years ago, I said my next vehicle would be an Outback. That has changed since Subaru has wrapped the Outback in black plastic cladding. Get rid of it at the wheel wells and include body colour bumpers and I might reconsider. Oh, and Subaru should get off their ass with electrification.
As a Canadian, and I think
As a Canadian, and I think others will agree, we will NOT buy a car without a heated steering wheel. I would simpley just choose something else. Another brand if need be.
And that’s why it’s standard
And that’s why it’s standard equipment in Canada. Subaru knows their markets pretty well.
Not sure why automotive
Not sure why automotive writers always mention the NW, NE, and Rocky Mountains in regard to Subaru vehicle buying. They are jumping by leaps and bounds in Minnesota and with the coldest winters in the lower 48 everybody wants a heated steering wheel. will not buy a car without it.